So I’m finally able to think about a buddy for Jack

[BinkyBunny]

I know Jack has “seemed” ready for a buddy, but I hadn’t been.  I did however contact SaveABunny (where Jack came from) to discuss bunny dating and to just to help get myself ready for the idea.   I still miss Rucy very much and it feels strange to think of a new bunny – weird, like I am replacing her. (though I know I am not). So when Marcy emailed me back – kindly offering to help with finding the right bunny for Jack,  I unexpectantly freaked out inside. I was like…uh, oh…I’m not ready.  So we decided to wait until she got back from her speaking/educating at the HSUS convention.    So I will be in contact with her next week to start up the process.  I’ve already started just looking at rabbits just to get used to the idea.  Jack will be the one deciding so I am not allowing myself to get too attached to the photos of particular ones.  Just reading the descriptions to find out who may make a good bunny date based on personality.   (an older bunny who is bigger so Jack won’t squish her with his amorous mounts would be good, but he will be the decider!)

It has helped me a bit to look at the photos, but it still feels funky.  I haven’t adopted a bunny in almost five years (when I adopted Jack) and I still miss Rucy, but I am getting  there, and maybe when I actually see the adorable cute fuzzy faces in person, I will feel more excited about it.  I am excited, but it’s still tinged with pain.

Jack has been doing alot better though – we no longer have to watch him to make sure he’s eating.  He’s appetite actually returned to normal this past week, and though he’s grooming and hanging out with his toy buddy, he is exploring more and doing stuff more on his own. I don’t feel like he’s feeling down in the dumps anymore so at least that is good.    We can take our time. 

 

[(dig)x(me)x(now)]

Aw, we all know it’s hard to adjust after one of our beloved pets crosses the rainbow bridge. Just remember that the adoption will benefit Jack!

[2lops]

Yes I’m sure Jack would love another bunny friend. Good luck with bunny dating (:

[Lisa_43]

Remember that you are giving a much needed home for a rabbit in need.

[bigsis7]

I’m glad you’re able to get another rabbit now ! I know it’s really helped me to heal when I lose a pet, to adopt another one. Good luck!

[TARM]

I’m sorry for your loss. :0( You’re doing the right thing for Jack though. I helped a 7 year old minilop boy find a girlfriend today. His mate passed away a couple of months ago and his parents said he looks for her every day. :0( Jack will let you know if he’s not ready but I’m betting he’ll be happy to find a new friend.

[MimzMum]

I can only imagine how difficult this must be on the one hand, and yet how hopeful you must be on the other. How do you think Jack will be feeling about this? Have you taken him bunny dating before?
I will keep you all in my prayers that this goes well and that a happy ending is coming soon for our dear Jack. Any lady bunny who wants him has to be a good cook though.

[Beka27]

You’re such a great bunny mommy! I predict you and Jack will find the perfect bunny. ;o)

[KytKattin]

Good luck! I know you’ll find the perfect bun for you and Jack!

[BinkyBunny]

Thank you. I think just posting about it has helped me take more of a mental step too. I’m freaky..I know.

Mimz – I’m really not sure how Jack will be feeling. My instincts are to say he will be happy to have another bunny as he really does enjoy other bunnies – but he will let them know he is the boss and if he could handle bossy Bailey and Diva Rucy, I think he’ll be okay. He is actually a very nice dominant bunny once he gets just the slightest bit of respect then he puts all the rules aside, but he will fight and fight mean if a bunny tries to dominate or attack him. (or at least he did that when Bailey tried to insist on being the top bunny). That part worries me a bit. I just never think of Jack as being dominant because he’s such a sweetheart with us, and rather timid with new people, and he was just so sweet with Rucy.
Rucy right away showed passive behaviors to him right away and he just loved her – never once showed aggression.(I also did the stunt double thing first so I may use that technique.

I’ve never taken Jack officially Bunny Dating as he was just supposed to be a Foster originally before I fell in love with him. As far as the bunny dating, I think he will be absolutely terrified and so he may be grumpy because of that or he may latch on to any bunny because of that…so i really don’t know.

I do know I will have to get used to a new bunny personality that may want to get up on the furniture, or may not have a problem with hardwood floors and go to places that are not bunny-proofed, or go in places that Jack and Rucy just never entered – like the Kitchen and the bedroom – so I will have to prepare for all of the scenarios of normal bunny trouble! I definitely got spoiled with Jack and Rucy who were so well-behaved as they age. So we’ll see how it goes.

[jerseygirl]

How fitting to be taking this step around the Easter season – new life, new beginnings. I’d be freaked too I think, and it’s really a different dynamic this time round. I was wondering, is it something you have to consider, not allowing to much time to pass after the remaining bunny of a bonded pair has stopped greiving? So that they don’t become to accustomed to being a single bunny, or king/queen of the household?

No bunny will ever replace Rucy’s ‘shoes’ or Bailey’s, but every bunny brings its own spirit and love into a household. (At least, that’s my belief.)

[RabbitPam]

I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling ready to start this process. I watch Jack on the webcam and I honestly feel that in his case it’s a very good idea.
Bear in mind that he’s lost 2 bunny companions in a year. While Bailey wasn’t his mate like Rucy, still, it’s a very lonely time for him.

You are very knowledgeable about bunny dynamics, and you plan to rescue. Why don’t you start with a request to the shelter you visit for a date to pre-select bunnies that are already submissive in personality? As you just described, Jack is sweet to a bunny that agrees that he’s the boss. I think that will be evident quickly with a new bun, but they can help you hedge your bets.

The other thing is to consider a bunny close to his age. That way they will age together, and even though you can’t predict, it’s likely that a new bun will be a bit more mellow than one too young, and you will have a rest from constant medical care with one that is advanced in years. Of course, if you got a handicapped bunny like Chuck, Jack might turn out to be the perfect leader/helper.

As for exploring behavior – we’ve seen how buns teach each other bad and good habits. It’s possible that if Jack stays out of certain areas in your house, and he’s dominant, then a new bun will follow his lead. That’s just wait and see. If not, set up those webcams so we can watch the new adventures!

[Beka27]

Jack got along with both Rucy AND Bailey for the most part. Have you considered adopting a relatively calm, submissive existing pair and trying to bond them into a trio? Just a thought…

[bunnytowne]

A good time of year to adopt.   The Easter dumps will be coming in.

Yes it is hard.   Getting used to a new bunny and it’s ways.   You will all do fine though….

It does take time  to work though this on an emotional level.   You just might surprise yourself.   Jack will be delighted to have a friend again. 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Awwww it’s hard to think of it at first-but you know your not replacing Rucy, your getting Jack a friend and opening your home to a bunny who needs a home. I guess that’s how I looked at it and was able to bring Chuck home. I think bringing a bunny home is so exciting I’m so excited for you. I hope you enjoy the process of looking and bringing home a needy bunny!! *HUGS*

[PEPPA GEORGIE]

arr bless i always find a new friend for my babies helps them and me. my vet told me rabbits are very prone to depression, and rats are too and i remember when one of my rats died the one left behind stopped eating and just sat alone was so sad and they said he was depressed so i got another friend and it was amazing that although they had to start the bonding process that in itself was enough distraction and he started eating again the same day they arrived. I dont know if rabbits would be exactly the same, but they are more instinctive arent they, they grieve and miss but as they cant think about it and look at photos and memories as we do they are happy to more forward quicker than us if that makes sense. Maybe a younger and quite shy bunny would be good as he might feel the need to sort of father the bunny and the younger one in a new environment would be looking for someone to take lead from and be comforted by. Again this always works with my rats, and guinea pigs and did work with one of my bunnies, but they are all different arent they. ALthough i did always then set myself up for the younger and older animal thing where one always goes first and needs replacing for company for the other. However also saved me heart ache of losing two close together as they close in age. xx good luck, i have never heard of bunny dating, how does it work i would love to hear all about the process and how it goes for jack. He is probably totally unaware of how famous he is xx

[kralspace]

No one could replace your Rucy girl, but Jack may find someone he can share his life with.

It was so interesting when I took Daisy to the North TExas Rabbit Sanctuary for his date day. The ladies had several girls picked out to try him with, I had picked my fav from their Petfinder listing and I think Sarita knew which one he would pick from the start.

They had an xpen setup and after Daisy had a bit of time to adjust, they brought them in one by one. Reactions ranged from Come-here-baby-I-lover-you to I-hate-you-and-want-to-pull-your-hair-out. My pick totally attacked him, another didn’t like his grooming technique and one big lop girl cornered him and sat on him. Lola was the first to meet him and they seemed to get along. Daisy is an obsessive hare groomer and kept trying to groom this little tan spot next to her eye and it made her jumpy.

After going through the other ladies we came back to Lola and they seemed the most comfortable with each other. He dotes on his queen now, taking care of her every need, the perfect little husbunny.

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